(Minghui.org) Falun Dafa practitioners in Seattle participated in the 4^th of July Parade in Carnation, Washington State, on July 4, 2024. As the most important annual event with close-to-a-century tradition, the Independence Day celebration in Carnation includes a community parade, a live music concert, a 5k run, a car & motorcycle show, food and art booths, and fireworks. Practitioners also set up a booth to introduce the traditional cultivation practice to the public.

Falun Dafa practitioners in the 4^th of July Parade in Carnation, Washington

Practitioners demonstrated Falun Dafa exercises and distributed introductory flyers along the parade route. Spectators seemed fascinated by the waist drum performances and offered warm applause and cheers.

Scott and Jennifer White cheer for Falun Dafa practitioners’ energetic performance.

Cynthia Bakken and Phil Eidenberg-Noppe, a couple from Redmond, Washington, happily shared their appreciation for the Chinese culture with practitioners. Cynthia said that the Falun Dafa music touched her heart and made her want to cry, and that seeing the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance and the exercise demonstration brought her to tears, happy tears.

Cynthia Bakken and Phil Eidenberg-Noppe enjoyed the Falun Dafa procession.

Cynthia also mentioned that she could feel the positive energy, which made her happy from the bottom of her heart. Phil said he was a professional photographer, and he would be happy to take pictures of the Falun Dafa parade in the upcoming Seafair Festival.

Practitioners introduce Falun Dafa at their booth.

Many people stopped at the Falun Dafa booth and chatted with practitioners. They said they loved their procession in the parade, especially the waist drum performance. Some said it was the first time they heard about Falun Dafa, and they would like to learn more about it. Many took information about group exercise sessions and how to learn Falun Dafa online.

The City of Carnation issued a proclamation on World Falun Dafa Day in May 2024.

The proclamation stated,

“Falun Dafa is a peaceful self-improvement practice rooted in traditional Chinese culture that consists of five gentle exercises including meditation, and moral teachings centered on the values of Truthfulness, Compassion and Tolerance;

“Falun Dafa was first introduced to the public in 1992 by Mr. Li Hongzhi; and has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to improving health in mind body and spirit, and to enhance the well-being of people from all walks of society, who follow its tenants;

“Falun Dafa transcends cultural and racial boundaries and contributes to the universal dream of a peaceful, tolerant and more compassionate society;

“Falun Dafa practitioners’ determination and courage to stand up for Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance under the most severe environment reminds us of the value of life and the precious quality of human dignity.”